Visitors to Pahang

Looks like there a lots of visitors coming over to Pahang for a vacation. There was approximately 5 million tourist coming over to Pahang in year 2005 generating about RM$2 billion (US$555 million) for the state. It was quite an increase too, about 13.3% increase compared against the previous year of 2004.

The breakdown info of tourist was 3,725,237 locals and 1,305,425 foreigners. Pahang has the highest number of visitors when compared against the other states.

So let's see where the popular tourist destinations in Pahang are:
1) Genting Highlands = 3,202,823 visitors
2) Kuantan = 973,807
3) Cameron Highlands = 298,284
4) Tioman Island = 154,552
5) Fraser's Hill = 89,068
6) Termerloh = 84,612
7) Taman Negara = 74,811

Interesting, looks like a lot people like to go to Genting Highlands. Perhaps its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur (only takes 45 minutes drive by road) makes it a convenient place to go for quick relief from the hot humidity of the tropics. While Cameron Highlands is the 3rd popular destination in Pahang for visitors to Pahang.

For the nearest cooler climate Genting Highlands is pretty ideal, and one can just do a day trip without having to stay overnight making it very convenient. With its activity centered on theme parks (and the usual gamblers), and live shows sure attracts lots of people for its fun activities.

However, Cameron Highlands is more of a peaceful kind of visit and taking in the natural breathtaking beauty of lush greenery and slower pace kind of lifestyle reminiscent of old English country side, well I'll take Cameron Highlands anytime.

The Pahang state is targeting the tourists from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, West Asia, Thailand, Indonesia, Britain, Taiwan, Germany and India. But based on the visitors pattern to my website, the majority of the visitors to Cameron Highlands are from Malaysia and Singapore. Of course there are the usual amohs Mat Sallehs and Japanese visitors, the main bulk of visitors are from Malaysia and Singapore.

But sad to say, some accommodation providers, though not all, do not seem to give equal services to the locals and seem to have a preferential to treat foreign visitors better. They should take heed that most of their income is derived from locals more than that of foreigners. Foreigner may be willing to pay more, but the main volume of visitors is us locals. So hoteliers take heed!
Why I say this, because while trawling the forums for info, I noticed there were complaints about this lah, that lah, and the hotel can't seem to provide the services. But when a foreigner request for something, it was done immediately.

As for me, I was fortunate not to have encountered bad service and so far my experiences were pretty pleasant. There is of course a trick to remember, you may be a customer, and customers are considered as king, and you rightfully want all the attention and service a hotel may render to you. But do note that the hotel staffs are human too. So a pleasant approach to the staff about your grouses and needs will translate to a better service by the hotel staff. Hey, no one like to deal with a customer from hell! That way your vacation will leave with you fond memories rather than one that was marred with bad service from a hotel.

Have a happy vacation!